Scouting report: Yu Darvish must regain his control for debut against Red Sox

Rangers starter: RHP Yu Darvish (11-7, 4.38 ERA) said he must “turn over a new leaf” after walking six Los Angeles Angels last week and allowing seven runs despite just four hits. In 40-plus years, it was only the seventh time a pitcher had given up at least seven earned runs on four or fewer hits. Darvish has allowed 35 walks since June 1, edging out the man he replaced (C.J. Wilson) by one for the AL lead. In 20 starts, Darvish has allowed 26 walks to become runs.

Matchup of note: Darvish hasn’t faced the Red Sox yet, but they can run five left-handed swingers out against Darvish. Lefties are hitting .252 (compared to .196 for right-handed hitters), but they also have a .347 OBP against him.

Boston starter: RHP Aaron Cook (2-5, 5.24) came to Boston on a minor league deal after a decade in Colorado. He wasn’t called up until May 5, then suffered a knee laceration in his first start that sent him to the DL for six weeks. In his first five starts after returning from the DL, he compiled a 2.16 ERA and held hitters to a .206 average. In his last two outings against New York and Detroit, though, he’s been hit hard, allowing 16 hits (4 HRs) and 12 runs in just 8 2/3 innings.

Matchup of note: OF Josh Hamilton faced Cook only once (in 2007) but came up just a home run shy of the cycle in three at-bats. 3B Adrian Beltre hasn’t faced Cook since 2004, but is 6-for-13 in his career against Cook.